The Local’s Guide to Authentic Mallorca

Mallorca is a hugely popular holiday destination, and as such you’ll find a wealth of things to do if you choose to rent one of our luxury villas in Mallorca. Depending on what you’re looking to do, there are loads of options when it comes to finding out information on the best things to do, which is why we’ve been getting out and asking our local experts for the scoop on their favourite places.

This time we’re talking to Johanna, the MD of Globo Events, an events management company specialising in bespoke events on Mallorca.

Tell us a little bit about you – who you are, what you do, and what makes you an expert in the region.

I have been coming to Mallorca since I was young, and moved here permanently following a career with Alexander McQueen in London eight years ago. Since then I have worked in the events industry and am now Director of Globo Events. We manage a huge spectrum of events from start to finish ranging from private parties to beautiful weddings, bespoke holidays and some of the largest corporate events in Europe, all of which are supported by our exclusive concierge service.

Why people should travel to Mallorca at least once in their lifetime?

Mallorca has so much to offer for visitors of all ages! Whether you are looking for a relaxing break, a holiday filled with adventure for all the family or a trip of fine dining, yachting and incredible nightlife – for such a small island it really can offer you everything.

Summarize the region for us in three words!

Luxurious, beautiful and captivating.

What should visitors always pack with them?

Visitors should always pack their driving licenses! You can travel all over the island and see everything from incredible harbours to underground lakes and caves, hidden beaches to spectacular mountain views and tiny Mallorcan villages to the glorious historical city of Palma.

What makes people come back time and time again?

Everyone who visits Mallorca falls in love with something special about the island. The thing that will surprise most first-time visitors is how accessible the island is and how much there is to do and see whilst you are here… You will always be left wanting more!

Time for some travel inspiration – can you give us your recommendations on…

The first thing to do – drop your bags and… Order a jug of sangria, a plate of Pam boli and enjoy the real taste of Spain!

Don’t miss! Lunch or dinner at the King’s favourite restaurant Flanigan in Puerto Portals; the most exclusive Port on the island

Best restaurant – Cala Conills, the most divine fish and seafood restaurant tucked-away in the cove of Sant Elms

Best drinking spot – La Llonja Palma

Best activity: Charter a yacht to take you to Ibiza for the day

Something free to do – See Palma Cathedral and enjoy a walk along the promenade of Playa de Palma to the former fishing village of Portixol.

Best spot for an amazing panoramic view – The most northern tip of the island Cap de Formentor.

Best things to do for group of friends/adults – Dinner in the exclusive Port Blanc restaurant in Palma followed by a VIP night at Pacha

Best kept secret – An incredible drive from Valdemossa to Sa Calobra via the beautiful village of Deia where you can enjoy a beautiful lunch in the hidden beach restaurant Ca’s Patro March

Best day tour activities – The traditional train journey from Palma to Soller through the Sierra de Alfàbia mountain range

Best way to spend a week in your region –  All of the above if you can fit it all in – but if not, you can just do what everybody else does and come back to visit us again!

Best Towns & Villages in Mallorca – Oliver’s Insights

Now you’re clued up on some of the best-kept secrets, we wanted to share our favourite towns and villages in Mallorca. You see, it’s so easy to get caught up in tourist traps, that you never really begin to touch the surface on some of the authentic gems in the region. We want your holiday in Mallorca to be fun and memorable so we’ve picked 5 special locations that will add depth to your Spanish holiday, and we have no doubt you’ll love them as much as we do.

1. Alcudia

No doubt you will have heard of this tourist hub, and rightly so, this ancient town in Mallorca oozes Spanish authenticity.

Alcudia is a restored walled city, which was once the Island’s prime Roman settlement, but today, it has equal measures of daintiness and charm – the bountiful brick houses and cobbled streets are a true testament of the town’s history, and visitors are hell-bent on visiting time and time again.

Just a 5 minutes’ drive to the coast, families and friends alike can enjoy the splendid array of beaches. The beaches here differ in that they’re more peaceful and the water is shallow enough for children to enjoy safely. Golden sands await and a whole host of water sports will be waiting for those looking for a thrill. Sailing, windsurfing and parasailing, but which will you pick?

2. Binissalem

Binissalem is a real find, not only does it lie between the Mallorca plain and the mountains, but this village is also a wine growing region. If you order wine in a Mallorcan restaurant, chances are it will probably come from Binissalem. Pretty cool eh?

This village is what all Instagram feeds yearn for: vibrancy, orange trees and vineyard action shots. It would be in poor taste to not sample a glass or few and the local vineyards are the perfect hub for exploration. Though the village is semi-industrialised, that doesn’t mean the locals don’t know how to have some fun.

In fact, a visit in September is a great and you’ll be around for Festa des Verma, the highlight of this festival is no doubt the grape fight, where locals dress up in white clothes to chuck grapes at each other. Sounds like a laugh if you ask us.

3. Banyalbufar

Tourists visit this beguiling village to see one thing and one thing only – the mesmerising terraced hillsides, sloping down to sea.

The name rightly encompasses this Mallorcan village to a T – ‘founded by the sea’, Banyalbufar has been the centre of fishing for many centuries. Unlike the other towns and villages in Mallorca, the population here is less than 500, which is a nice detox from life back home.

The beach is extremely popular, but it’s made of pebbles, so it may not be the comfiest to work on your tan. However, the coves are worth the trip and make an ideal base for a pretty picnic especially in the afternoons while the sun is setting.

4. Pollensa

One of Mallorca’s most popular tourist spots, and yet the town still appears unchanged and as beautiful as ever.

The town is made of narrow streets and exemplary buildings like the Calvari  – Pollensa is old and rich in culture, and with 8000 locals, the town is big enough to feel the buzz but small enough to not get lost in crowds of people.

Pork is the main ingredient in Pollensa, but above all, you have to try Langosta a la parrilla, which is lobster tail cooked on the grill, served with homemade mayonnaise. It’s seriously irresistible, you have our word on that!

5. Manacor

Manacor is most definitely not on one’s immediate radar, but that’s the beauty of discovering something first – you get to enjoy it in all its unspoilt glory.

Situated at the eastern end of the centre of Mallorca, Manacor is home to the artificial pearl industry, so make sure to check out the jewellers to get your hand on world famous pearls!

And if you’re a tennis enthusiast you most likely will know this is the birth place of Rafa Nadal; when he’s not playing you’re likely to find him around the town. The Rafa Nadal Academy is also in the town and attracts talent from all over the world.

Johanna Lane is the MD of Globo Events, a company specialising in arranging and creating amazing experiences and events on the island of Mallorca, from unforgettable holidays to dream weddings and corporate events. If you’re looking to get an event arranged, check out their website! Alternatively, if you’re looking for some amazing villas in Mallorca, Oliver is your man!